Name: plant cell communication through plasmodesmata
Uploaded: 2023-04-30T11:56:56.000Z
Duration: 1 min 20 s
Channel: JoVE

Plant cells have rigid cell walls that maintain cell shape but hinder cellular communication. Microscopic channels in the cell walls called plasmodesmata directly connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells, allowing molecular exchange for communication.
Primary plasmodesmata are created during cell division, while secondary plasmodesmata are formed between the existing cell walls of neighboring cells.
Plasmodesmata are membrane-lined, containing a narrow tube-like central structure called the desmotubule. The Desmotubule is formed by an extension of the ER that connects adjacent cells.
The cytosol flows freely between the two cells making a continuous network called the symplast.
Cells control the passage of molecules by regulating the diameter of the plasmodesmata.
When callose, a polysaccharide, accumulates, the channel is constricted, allowing only water and small molecules to pass.
When callose breaks down, the channel is dilated, allowing larger molecules to pass through.
By degrading plasmodesmata, cells lose symplastic connectivity with their neighbors.

plasmodesmata

Plasmodesmata

In a multicellular organism, cells must communicate to work together in a coordinated manner. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact with other cells. The points of contact that connect adjacent cells are called intercellular junctions.
Intercellular junctions are a feature of fungal, plant, and animal cells. However, different types of junctions are found in different kinds of cells. Intercellular junctions found in animal cells include tight junctions, gap junctions, and desmosomes. The junctions connecting plant cells are called plasmodesmata (singular = plasmodesma). While they are functionally similar to animal gap junctions, they differ structurally.
Plasmodesmata are passageways that connect adjacent plant cells. Just as two rooms connected by a doorway share a wall, two plant cells connected by a plasmodesma share a cell wall.
The plasmodesma &#8220;doorway&#8221; creates a continuous network of cytoplasm&#8212;like air flowing between rooms. It is through this cytoplasmic network&#8212;called the symplast&#8212;that most nutrients and molecules are transferred among plant cells.
A single plant cell has thousands of plasmodesmata perforating its cell wall, making a giant communication network across the entire plant. The number and structure of plasmodesmata vary across cells and change in individual cells. Most water and nutrients that move through a plant are transported by vascular tissue&#8212;xylem and phloem. However, plasmodesmata also transport these materials among cells and ultimately throughout the plant.
Plasmodesmata are versatile and continuously alter their permeability. In addition to water and small molecules, they can transport specific macromolecules, such as receptor-like protein kinases, signaling molecules, transcription factors, and RNA-protein complexes.
As cells grow, the density of their plasmodesmata decreases unless they produce secondary plasmodesmata. Certain parasitic plants develop secondary plasmodesmata that connect them to hosts, allowing them to extract nutrients.

In a multicellular organism, cells must communicate to work together in a coordinated manner. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact ...

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JoVE Core

Cell Biology

Unit 1

Plant Cell Structure and Organization

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

plant cell communication through plasmodesmata

Plasmodesmata are channels that let plant cells communicate directly with one another. These junctions connect neighboring cells and are built through the shared cell wall. They act like doorways between cells, creating a linked cytoplasm called the symplast.

This connection helps move nutrients and other molecules from one plant cell to another. A single plant cell can contain thousands of plasmodesmata, so these passages form a large communication network across the plant. The number and structure of plasmodesmata can vary from cell to cell and can also change within the same cell.

Plasmodesmata are similar in function to animal gap junctions, but they are structurally different. They also differ from the tight junctions and desmosomes found in animal cells. Most water and nutrients in plants travel through vascular tissue, including xylem and phloem, but plasmodesmata also help move these materials among cells.

These channels can adjust how open they are. In addition to water and small molecules, plasmodesmata can transport certain macromolecules, such as receptor-like protein kinases, signaling molecules, transcription factors, and RNA-protein complexes. As cells grow, plasmodesmata density usually decreases unless new, secondary plasmodesmata form. Some parasitic plants use secondary plasmodesmata to connect with hosts and take in nutrients.

Plant Cell Communication Through Plasmodesmata

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Plasmodesmata are channels that let plant cells communicate directly with one another. These junctions connect neighboring cells and are built through the shared cell wall. They act like doorways between cells, creating a linked cytoplasm called the symplast. This connection helps move nutrients and other molecules from one plant cell to another. A single plant cell can contain thousands of plasmodesmata, so these passages form a large communication network across the plant. The number and...

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key terms and concepts

Explore how plasmodesmata connect plant cells, move nutrients and signals, and form a changing communication network in plant tissue.

Plant Cell Communication Through Plasmodesmata | JoVE K12

cell biology

JoVE Core Cell Biology illustrates complex cellular processes in easy-to-understand yet comprehensive animated video lessons. This collection focuses on the essential components and functions of cells, including organelles and membranes, cellular transport, and cell energetics. It is complemented by scientist-in-action videos that demonstrate the application of cell biology in real-world research experiments.

Plant Cell Communication Through Plasmodesmata

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